Today in the 1770s: May 8

BALTIMORE May 4, 1778.
Important Intelligence, Just Received by Express.
Yorktown, May 3, 1778.
SIR,
You will be soon fully informed of the treaties of alliance and commerce between the Court of VERSAILLES and the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. Copy of a letter, which I here enclose, will in the meantime, give the great outlines. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your obedient servant,
HENRY LAURENS, President of Congress.

About this entry:

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between France and the United States was signed on February 6, 1778. Although France had been covertly aiding the Americans since 1776, she didn't officially recognize the new republic until after the victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga (Autumn 1777).

About

Intended to provide a glimpse into the breadth of subject matter in the Gazette, excerpts from the 18th-century Virginia Gazette have been chosen for every day of the year and annotated by staff of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library.

Each entry reflects an event that
happened on a particular day (or something published on a particular day).